Swabiratu

“When all my dreams seemed close to fading and hope was nearly gone, the doors of ASA opened.

Getting into ASA was a huge achievement for both me and my family. I had stayed at home for a year after high school, and the thought of going to university felt like an impossible challenge for us. So when this opportunity came, it was nothing short of a blessing.  My family was overjoyed and proud, knowing that I would now have access to a high-quality learning environment, supportive and open-minded teachers, and the chance to be involved in the field of STEM, something I’ve always dreamed of. 

Personally, it felt like a major milestone. I had read so much about ASA online and seen stories on social media, and I couldn’t wait to experience it for myself. The thought of meeting people from all across Africa, and becoming part of such a diverse and passionate community, made it even more special. It gave me a glimpse of what it truly means to be educated and prepared for university life.

I’ve learned to embrace failure as a foundation for resilience and strength. I still remember the shock of my first test score, but it taught me to work harder and believe in my ability to overcome challenges. I’m grateful for the opportunities here—visiting new places, receiving a laptop that’s now essential to my learning, and connecting with mentors and inspiring guest speakers. 

One of the most challenging moments was the “Tell Your Story” session. Standing in front of everyone was overwhelming, but now I can speak confidently without fear, realizing how much I’ve grown. I want to study Medical Physics to combine my interest in health and STEM. Growing up, I saw how limited access to medical technology affected healthcare in my country, which inspired me to create solutions. ASA has shown me that my dreams are achievable and has motivated me to pursue this field to improve healthcare, especially in under-resourced communities across Africa.”